A Sudanese woman sentenced to death for marrying a Christian is expected to be released soon, a government official said.

But Mariam Ibrahim's lawyer said he remained "skeptical" and has not had any confirmation from the courts, Amnesty International spokesperson said.

Daniel Wani and his wife Meriam Ibrahim. Credit: Reuters

"The related authorities in the country are working to release Meriam Ibrahim, who was sentenced to death for apostasy, through legal measures," Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Abdelah Al-Azrak told Reuters.

"I expect her to be released soon," he added.

Mrs Ibrahim was sentenced to death for marrying a Christian man in the country.

A spokesperson for Amnesty International said their researchers have spoken to Mrs Ibrahim's lawyer, who said he has not had any confirmation from the courts.

Former Prime Minister Mr Blair has described the case of a Sudanese woman, sentenced to death for refusing to renounce her Christian faith, as a "brutal and sickening distortion of faith," it was reported in The Times (£)

Blair has said the case was a "brutal and distorted" view of Christianity. Credit: Chris Jackson/PA

The case has prompted questions over whether the UK should continue giving aid to countries which do not respect human rights.

The UK Government should think again about giving aid to Sudan, the former defence secretary and shadow foreign secretary has said, after the Sudanese government handed down a death sentence to a woman for marrying a Christian. Liam Fox said:

Religious tolerance is something that the UK should be promoting at every opportunity.

We need to ask ourselves whether it is acceptable too be giving taxpayers' money in aid to states which allow treatment such as that handed out to Meriam Ibrahim.

David Cameron has urged the Sudanese government to lift the "barbaric" death sentence handed to a woman for marrying a Christian.

The Prime Minister joined Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Tony Blair in condemning the treatment of Meriam Ibrahim - who gave birth to a baby daughter this week while shackled in her cell.

Daniel Wani and his wife Meriam Ibrahim. Credit: Reuters

Mr Cameron said he was "absolutely appalled" when he heard about the plight of the 27-year-old. "The way she is being treated is barbaric and has no place in today's world," he told The Times (£).

"I urge the government of Sudan to overturn the sentence and immediately provide appropriate support and medical care for her and her children...The UK will continue to press the government of Sudan to act."